Review of ALL BOOKED UP by Melody Carlson

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800747251

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/17/2026

Pages:272

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that’s been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can’t bring herself to leave decades of memories—and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books. 

When she pursues an alternative—opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent—Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

My Thoughts

The story of four women who join together to live in widow Riva’s house is one that kept me engaged. I laughed as they partied together, teared up when they talked together about their past losses and in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Riva doesn’t have the money to keep her house now that she is a widow, so she follows the advice of a new woman she meets and decides to rent out rooms. She doesn’t want to sell her home because of the library that has a collection of all of her books and well as her husband’s books. Riva chooses, interviews and accepts four women to come and live in her home. The story unfolds as conflicts erupt between some of the women and Riva, as the homeowner, has to act as a mediator as well as the one who reminds each of the women of the rules. I loved Riva’s plan to have each woman read a book and then discuss it. Her choices of books for each tenant is nothing short of brilliant, showing her ability to understand what made each woman tick. I also enjoyed the character Marcus, a brother of one of the tenants named Windy, and a widower who must be very handsome since more than one of the women in the house is attracted to him. That sub-plot is a central part of a lot of the story. The real center of the story is forming friendships, being vulnerable and honest with friends, and learning to move into an uncertain future while leaving the past behind. This is a faith-centered book with lots of heart and truth in it. It captivated my attention right away since all of the main characters are older and entering the part of life where there is a lot of unexpected and sometimes scary change. That made the book so realistic and helped me to identify with the flaws of the characters. This is a quick and engaging read, with lots to love and book discussions that added to my interest in continuing to read. This book deserves more than five stars for being so relatable and such a heart-felt story of women who find strength that they didn’t know they had.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

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Review of EYEWITNESS SKETCH by Danielle Grandinetti

About the Book

Published by Hearth Spot Press
© 2026 Danielle Grandinetti

Kindle ISBN: 978-1-956098-51-8
ASIN: B0FJK7ZDMN
EPUB ISBN: 978-1-956098-52-5
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-956098-53-2

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

Read the Whole Series (does not need to be read in order)
Prequel: 1892 – Undercover Wish
Book 1: 1931 – Eyewitness Sketch
Book 2: 1932 – Sabotage Games
Book 3: 1932 – Shrouded Trail
Book 4: 1933 – Fraudulent Progress
Book 5: 1935 – Pursuing Dust
Book 6: 1936 – Hostile Ally

My Thoughts

With a fast pace and a story that begs to be read in one sitting, this book presents Gabriella Salatino, an artist whose life is in danger because she can sketch the scenes of a crime. Escaping to the small island where she was raised, Gabriella is put into the protective custody of a previous beau, Andri Johannsson. Andri is tasked with keeping the reluctant Gabby safe even as the two of them work to uncover who is behind the death of her good friend back in Chicago. Gabby is a talented artist with en eye for details and Andri is an observant and determined investigator who is good at following and clues and solving mysteries. Together, the two of them made a formidable pair and an absorbing tale of romantic suspense. The action engaging, the characters are believable and the suspense is compelling. The DiStasio Giournaliste Agency has a home in my heart and on my bookshelf with stories that are clean, easy to read and totally entertaining.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning author of 1930s historical romance, where mystery and suspense intertwine with hope. Her work has received recognition, including a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, two National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, and finalist honors in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice, Selah, Holt Medallion, and Daphne du Maurier contests.

A second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions, Danielle draws inspiration from tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Holding a master’s in communication and culture, and driven by a lifelong love of stories, she crafts tales that celebrate resilience, diversity, and belonging. Danielle lives along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline with her husband and two sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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Review of THE LIAR’S TREASURE by Connie Mann and Q and A with the Author

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781496487445

Publisher:Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date:03/10/2026

Series:A Speranza Team Novel , #2

Pages:368

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries—old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe—trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.

My Thoughts

This intriguing and captivating story took me on a delightfully wild ride as the Speranza Society is seeking a long-lost treasure, fighting off the bad guys repeatedly and trying to protect endangered family members, too. They do all this as they travel from one exotic location to another, use their Speranza sources and call on their computer guru Picasso each time the need arises. This is like a mixture of Indiana Jones meets a group of female James Bond-types, but without the steamy scenes or the cocktails. With a firm foundation of faith and a fast pace that kept me on the edge of my seat, this novel was an amazingly original story. It even included a little romance along with the sword fights, rappelling, rescuing and figuring out clues. My favorite character was Gran, a feisty Speranza Society member who is ready for the challenge of taking care of her granddaughter Cass while her daughter Camille goes to seek the treasure. There is even a swashbuckling hero who also wants the treasure, but he may want Camille in his life even more than the riches. As I said, there’s romance brewing along with the danger and plenty of engaging dialogue between the characters as they risk their lives for an unidentified treasure. The story is mesmerizing, the characters are relatable and dynamic and the entire novel was a pleasure to read. If I could give it more than five stars, I would since I don’t remember the last time I raced so quickly through a book just to find out how it would end. Where this book is concerned, sleep is highly overrated!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG for Intense Suspense

About the Author

Connie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women who fight for what they believe – and for those they love. She is the author of the Speranza Team novels, the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, and several stand-alone titles. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is as much fun as it sounds. Visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.

Questions and Answers with the Author

What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting thing you discovered in your research? Have you traveled to the exotic locales in your Speranza series? 

The Liar’s Treasure is, at its heart, a treasure hunt and I had a blast researching what items people consider “treasure” and some of the clever, creative and often downright scary devices, traps and gimmicks they’ve used to hide and protect their valuables from those who want to get their hands on them. It was great fun!

I’m delighted that I’ve been able to visit most, if not all, of the locations I used in the Speranza team series. Choosing just the right settings for my stories is important to me and being able to bring them to life for my readers is one of my favorite parts of the writing process.

When did you know that you wanted to be an author? 

I’ve always been an avid reader and penned my first story in 3rdgrade, an epic tale about my hamster. After college, I wrote non-fiction; lots of marketing materials and parenting articles before I mustered up the courage to try my hand at fiction. It took years of writing and dozens of rejection letters before my first novel was published in 2009. The Liar’s Treasure is my 10thpublished novel, something I’m very excited about.

What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing? 

Every writer’s process is different, but I am a plot-first writer. The action elements of the story are what I imagine first, like a movie playing in my head. The characters become 3-dimensional and get fleshed out as I write and get to know them. I always know WHAT the ending will be, even if I don’t quite know HOW; otherwise, I can’t start writing, any more than I can get in my car without knowing where I’m going. The ending is my guide.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book? 

Besides writing, I’m also a USCG-licensed boat captain and get to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is great fun. Hubby and I love to travel and explore new places, especially in our RV and even more so if our travels include a visit with our two adorable grandsons.

If you could travel to any place in the world and cost was not a problem, where would you go and why?

I want to see all of it! If cost was not an issue, I would book an around-the-world trip so I could see as much as I could, experience different cultures, architecture and terrain, taste the cuisine, meet the people.

Thanks so much for the chance to be your guest and visit with your readers. I enjoyed it very much.

Purchase Links (Preorder TODAY! Releases tomorrow)

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Christian Book: https://bit.ly/4nQe7Xb

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With deep appreciation to Tyndale House Publishing and Netgalley as well as to Connie Mann who provided the advanced reader copy for me to read and review. Connie also graciously answered my questions for the Q and A. And a shout out to the Launch Team Geek, Tammy Karasek, a friend who makes being part of a launch team friendly and fun!

Review: The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335629708

Publisher:MIRA Books

Publication date:03/03/2026

Pages:384

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax. 

Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it. 

As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.

My Thoughts

This novel is more than a romance since it also includes some valuable life lessons and insights on what not to do if you want to have a successful relationship. It had me in stitches during the back-and-forth banter between the characters. It also included a favorite character who was not human but rather Ramon the parrot. I never knew what Ramon would do or say next, but suffice it to say that the author gave that bird some personality with a capital “P.” I think that this is one of the best books by this talented author that I have ever read, with a depth to it that drew me into the story quickly and a delightfully readable plot, switching between the main characters and their individual dilemmas. Jax is a control freak, so relationships with her are tough. That may be the reason that her closest friend seems to be Ramon, her parrot. Ryleigh is her younger sister, a teacher who doesn’t want to grow old alone so she is trying to decide whether to move or not in order to find love and start a family. The secondary characters are equally engaging, with Shawna as the fiancée of Jax’s ex-husband, a nice girl who has no idea what she is getting herself into when she accepts Harris’s proposal. I really liked the custody agreement that Jax and Harris have so that their children can stay in their home and the parents take turns living with them. Those scenes showed that divorce can be amicable if not totally agreeable. The entire book was fun to read, with appealing characters, a charming setting (who wouldn’t love a bookstore in a Victorian house) and a little tease of a mystery about the diaries that are kept in the bookstore, with some startling revelations that occur as a result of the renovation in the bookstore. This book is a slam dunk success with me, from beginning to end. I was invested in the lives of each believable character, even the ones I didn’t like much. I was absorbed by the threads of the dual storylines and loved how the author wove them together even as they seemed to be tearing apart. This book has a well-crafted and charming plot and was such an enjoyable read that I am enjoying just picking it up again and reading sections over and over, just to get another laugh from such a refreshing and warm-hearted novel.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Contemporary Fiction, Rated PG

About the Author

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journalsays, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. Website: Susan Mallery.com

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Review of LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800745387

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:Gossamer Falls , #3

Pages:368

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Running The Haven resort keeps Bronwyn Pierce busy enough without dealing with a hitman targeting her life and family members framing her for blackmail. The only person who can help is Mo Quinn, her first love and the man she hasn’t spoken to in two years. As attacks escalate and evidence mounts against her, these childhood sweethearts must break their silence and rebuild trust before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

The stunning conclusion to the outstanding Gossamer Falls series was all I could have hoped for and more! From the beginning, Mo and Bronwyn were mysterious characters, talking to everyone else and around each other. In this novel, we find out why they haven’t been speaking and a lot of the backstory behind Bronwyn’s mistrust and dislike of her own family members. Bronwyn is independent and capable, the CEO of her family’s luxurious resort, The Haven. When she thinks she is in danger, she seeks help from the Quinns, the family that her Pierce family despises and ostracizes. The Quinns offer advice, protection and more, especially when Mo, a forensic accountant, offers to check the books for her and find out if there is anything illegal going on. The plot is compelling and intricate, with lots of little must-know details that kept me engaged and guessing. I enjoyed seeing all of the characters from the previous books actively engaged in solving Bronwyn’s dilemma since this gave me snapshots of what has been happening in the lives of the others since the last novel. I thought that the action was gripping and addictive. The suspense continued to escalate as the danger got closer to Bronwyn, and the author did a magnificent job of breaking the tension at times with some laugh-out-loud banter between the characters. Under the surface of all of the mystery and suspense, there is a sparkling romance brewing, one that I was delighted to read about between such appealing characters. The suspense was addictive and the romance refreshing in this well-crafted and intriguing story. I loved every minute that I spent with the Quinns and Bronwyn and was thrilled to find out that they will be a small part of the next series as well. No fan of romantic suspense will want to miss out on this clever novel that balances action with romance in such a brilliantly captivating way!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and also purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean Christian Fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com

Purchase Links

bit.ly/4qm5Jj5 (Baker Book House)

bit.ly/4q3TqIM (Christian Book)

amzn.to/3NqLB15 (Amazon)

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Books in the Gossamer Falls Series

With heartfelt appreciation to the author, Revell and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review. One of my top books for the year and one of my top series ever!

Review of TANGLED PAST by Mary Alford

About the Book

Product details

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.

Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.

As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.

My Thoughts

This is the story of unfinished business in the past and a lost memory that is surfacing. Maya was present when her mother was dragged away and she never saw her again. She was there when the sheriff was killed, Asa Dutton’s father. When Asa comes back to Hope Island to talk to Maya and try to find out information to lead him to his father’s killer, he opens up her memory in unexpected ways. I loved how the Hope Island Securities Team worked with Asa to uncover the truth and to find the killer, following clues to some surprising locations on the island. I especially enjoyed the dynamic characters of Asa and Maya who grew from questioning the past to embracing the future. This is romantic suspense at its best, with a lot of the creep factor in it and a killer who was methodical and hard to catch. The twists and revelations kept coming in this fast-paced and totally engaging book.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, A clean read

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on FacebookX, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

To Purchase Tangled Past:

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Review of DEADLY CURRENTS by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800746162

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:02/17/2026

Series:Hidden Bay , #3

Pages:352

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind—Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason—to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge—driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter’s Bounty. 

But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.

My Thoughts

This novel captured me from the beginning scenes when the main character is on a boat in Hidden Bay and then almost immediately after disembarking, Cressida is attacked. The unexpected twists that began in the first chapter continued throughout the book as Cressida tries to unravel the mystery behind her father’s death while also investigating the threats she faces in Hidden Bay from unknown stalkers. The author does a masterful job of weaving a former government agent and now a local detective into the story as Braden has been surreptitiously recruited to protect Cressida while keeping his assignment a secret from her. While Cressida is busy trying to finish her father’s manuscript and doing research on a ghost ship that somehow plays into his story and his demise, Braden is also investigating and trying to figure out how all of the puzzle pieces fit together. This book is action-packed and addictive, with details that enrich the story with authenticity that immersed me deeper into the complexity of the storyline. Infused with spiritual truth as well as the lore of pirates and a sunken ship, this novel wove all of these intricate plot details into a tapestry that was intriguing and skillfully written. I honestly had difficulty putting this book down since the suspense was intense with head-spinning twists. With a multi-layered plot and the points of view of both main characters, this was a compelling story with relatable and dynamic characters as well as a unique story that kept me turning pages long into the night.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for intense suspense, Christian Fiction

About the Author

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and two-time Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
2011 Carol Award Winner—The Camera Never Lies
2016 Carol Award Finalist—Submerged, (Mountain Cove, Love Inspired Suspense)
2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense double finalist—BuriedBackfire
2017 Daphne Finalist—Deception
2022 Daphne Finalist—Deadly Target
2022 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Winner—Deadly Target
2023 Holt Medallion finalist—Critical Alliance
2023 Christy Award Winner—Cold Light of Day
2024 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Winner—Cold Light of Day
2024 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Finalist—Shadows at Dusk
2024 Holt Medallion Finalist—Cold Light of Day

For additional information, check out the author’s website at https://elizabethgoddard.com/

Purchase Links

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The Hidden Bay Series

Review of MAYBE THIS ONCE by Sophie Sullivan

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781250875877

Publisher:St. Martin’s Publishing Group

Publication date:02/10/2026

Series:Rock Bottom Love , #3

Pages:336

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, Charlotte Ashford gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is thriving. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, whom he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson have nothing in common, but they can’t fight their attraction to each other. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

My Thoughts

Charlie Ashford is hiding from a past that has kept her in the limelight for far too long. She doesn’t want to be famous like her parents; she just wants to pursue her dream of being a counselor. That’s how she ends up at a camp at the Get Lost Lodge, off the beaten track just the way she wants it, while she waits for her new job to begin. Before arriving there, she has a “meet-cute” with Grayson Keller, a man who is attractive but she is not looking to be attracted so she flees from the meeting. What she doesn’t know is that Grayson is the owner of the Get Lost Lodge and he and she have sparks together whether they welcome them or not. Deciding to try out dating and then move on with their lives, this story is a wonderful story of happenstance, events beyond one’s control and just plain romance that is so entertaining. The dynamics between the characters was spot-on realistic and it was fun to read the banter between the two reluctant lovers. I really enjoyed the entire family at the Lodge and how they chimed in their opinions and helpful advice, keeping the pace and the humor going. This book is a perfect read for those who enjoy a good love story that isn’t sappy but realistically portrayed with doubts, false starts and trust issues.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

General Fiction, Rated PG

About the Author

Sophie Sullivan is an award winning Canadian author of many romantic comedies including TEN RULES FOR FAKING IT and HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, both of which won the Canadian Book Club Award for best romance.

Her books have been mentioned and featured in Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Culturess, EOnline!, Cosmopolitan, The Nerd Daily, Tampa Bay Reads on Fox 13, and more. She chats about all things books, romance, and writing in a variety of places including Episode 14 of Happy to Meet Cute podcast and her local radio station Star 98.3. In her books, you’ll find relatable characters, kissing scenes, heartfelt moments, found family, and anxiety rep. And probably more kissing scenes.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, buying books, or thinking about her next trip to Disneyland and wondering how long the Alice in Wonderland line-up is. She lives on the West Coast with her husband, daughters, and dogs. She wishes she lived somewhere it rained less which is when a lot of free time goes into planning those Disney trips.

If waiting for the next Sophie book is too much for you, check out her alter ego, Jody Holford who writes cozy mysteries and romances. If you want to find her online, Instagram is usually the best place. Website: Sophie Sullivan

Purchase Links

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Books-a-Million

Target

Bookshop

Powells

Audible